Luis Enrique: We have to take the game seriously

Luis Enrique during the pre-Villanovense press conference / MIGUEL RUIZ - FCB
The Barça coach is not taking opponents Villanovense lightly and will put out a strong XI with tie all squad at 0-0 after the first leg

Barça coach Luis Enrique made his pre-game appearance in the press room on Tuesday at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper ahead of Wednesday’s last 32 Copa del Rey second leg against Villanovense (8.00pm CET). With the boss himself recently named as a candidate for the FIFA Coach of the Year award and the duo of Messi and Neymar also contender’s for this season’s FIFA Ballon d’Or award, the focus of the waiting media was divided. Nevertheless, the Asturian was keen to highlight that the tie against the Second Division B side was far from over and “the result [0-0 from the first leg] is dangerous because a score draw would knock us out.”

Below are the coach’s comments on the various subjects that he was questioned on in the press conference:

Awards and nominations

“That is the work of the team. Neymar and the others give their all in every game and that is great news.”

“These awards come thanks to the spectacular performances from the team last season.”

“As a coach I want all my players to be on these lists.”

The Copa del Rey second leg

“A strong eleven will take the field. We can only have four players from the B squad on the field at one time and seven from the first team. It is a risky game, if we have a bad day they could knock us out.”

“To get to the final we have to get through this type of tie. The players are well aware of that.”

Sandro and Munir

“Whenever they have had minutes on the field, they have done themselves justice, they have helped us in tricky moments. I have now doubt that they will be at 100% when they play.”